Rim for vehicle-wheels.



R. S. BRYANT.

RIM FOR VEHlGLE WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 20, 1912.

1,288,823. Rammed D6C.-24,1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

22/1/17 55555.- Mliln z 0 z- H. S. BRYANT.

RIM FOR VEHICLE WHEELS APPLICATION FILED ;0v.20,19|2.

1,%88,823. Patented Dec. 24, 1918.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

muuf Elm/25555 I i UNITED STATES arena RICEARD s. BRYANT, or CLEVELAND. OHIO, risers-Non; BY MESNE assron'mnnrs, TG' THE STANDARD rears COMPANY, or CLEVELAND. onto. A oonrona'rron or 0331 messes.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Ratented Dec. 2st, fit-ii Continuation in part of application filed April 25. 1912, Serial No. 593.0? This application filed November 20. 1912 Serial No. 732.502,

b (ill whom it may co'ncern Beit known that'LRicHAnn S. BRYANT. a cit zen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahog'a and wheels of the type designed to secure a pneumaticor other resilient tire in place thereon, in a manner to permit the ready-remo 'al of the sametherefrom for purposes of repair or replac ent. It has hitherto been proposed to providea rim of generally channel shapefor the reception of the tire. one

of the flanges of the channel being remov- "able so as to permit the tire to be displaced laterallytherefrom without material obstruction. Great difficulty has hitherto been experienced, however, in devising a method ,1 tactwith road obstructions or. street curbs of securing this flange to the remainder of the rim in such manner that it shall be rigidly-and reliably attached thereto under all conditions of service and yet-be readily removable therefrom when occasion demands. Likewise it is necessary that the securing means be of a simple and compact nature.

not liable to be injuredby ars. shocks. con

or by. corrosion, freezing. or sand abrasion. Tl1e obJects of thls invention are the pro.-

yision-of novel and simplified mechanism for the secure attachment of this detachable flange to the sideof .the wheel rim; the

provision of attaching means which may be against accidental disconnection or against being rendered inoperative by rust. dirt. ice; p or other foreign matte-r5 the prov s on of securing" means havmgjall ofits partspen manently attached either the rim or to htheffian e e sothat there shall be nothing which can be lost or mislaid: theprovision of attaching means which. while perfectly secure under all conditions of use. will offer the least possible obstruction tothe removal 1 v ment illustrated herein. it will be seen that of the Iflange: the provision of securing means which shall 'peijm t the' reversal of jects and advantages of the intention will become apparent in the course of the follow inn des 'iption and claims.

More/specificallythis applicatioi in part a continuation of my copcndii application filed April 25. 1912. Serial llo. (393,078 to which (amending application reference is hereby made as to all common subject matter, the modification illustrated in Figures 5 to 9 of this application now being'disclosed for the first time.

Generally speaking my invention may be defined as consisting of the combinations of elements recited in the claims hereto an neXed and illustrated in the drawings accompanying" and forming a part of this application, wherein: Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of a portion of a vehicle wheel having a rim made in accordance with my invention. a portion of a side of the rim being broken away to show the shape and arrangement of the parts; Fig. 2 is a crosssectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; 8 is a plan view of a portion of the interior of the rim adjacent to the locking means, showing the locking means in engag'ed position; Fig. at is a perspective view of my invention. this modification being of atype particularly adapted for use with wire spoke wheels; l -ig. 6 1s a plan view of a portion of the inside of the rim illustrated in Fig.5 showing the flange securing means; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the securing device in side elevation: Fig. 8 is'a perspective view of the securing latch employedwith the'modification illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7 lDClllSlVf2111d Fig. 9 is a face view of the bracket employed with saidlatchl Describing by reference characters the parts illustrated in Figs. 1 to hereof. 1 represents the felly of a wheel. which may be of wood as in the usual construction or of any other suitable material. and 2 indicates gene-rally 'thenietallic tire-receiving rim sun rounding the same and secured inan suit ableor convenient manner. In the embodithis rim consists of a transversely fiat anthe outwardly projecting flange-G and hav- 'iru'lar metallic member?) having at one side .to form a groove, 7.

tion 5 of the rim, adjacent to the flange 6 ing its opposite lateral portion depressed Surrounding the potis a loose or floating ring 8, the two sides whereof may be shaped to conform substantially to the side of the tires of two forms such as the clencher and st-raightv wall types now most widely used. -Surrounding the portion 5 of the rim adjacent to the opposite edge thereof is a removable 'or detachable flange 10, having a base portion 11 adapted to fit securely within the groove 7. The upper portion of this flange is preferably of greater width than the groove so as to overlie the face ofthe rim at both sides of the groove whereby its stability will be increased and the edge of the rim will be protected/from injury due to contact with street curbs or other obstructions. The groove 7 and base portion 11 are here shown as made of symmetrical shape so as to permit the flange to be reversed with respect to the rim, theopposite faces of the projecting portion of the flange being-shaped complementarily to the faces of the floating ring 8. form of a split ring, the closely abutting ends thereof being illustrated at 12, and'the method of securing this ring about the rim will now be described.

Formed upon the inner. surface of the ring 10 adjacent to each of its ends is a lug 16, the bottom of groove? being formed with apertures 18, 18 for the reception of these lugs. In the present embodiment these lugs are illustrated as exactly alike, although it is obvious that certain changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of myinvention or changing the mode of operation of the device. The apertures 18 are also shown as separated by a web 19, the upper surface whereof forms a continuation of the bottom wall of the groove 7, although it will be obvious that in certain aspects of the invention this web can be changed in positioror dispensed with without departing from the scope of my inventive idea or changing materially the operation of the device. ,The lugs 1(i-1(i are located slightly rearwardly from the ends of the ring or flange 10 so as to permit the'endsvof the ring to be brought closely together when the lugs are seated in their apertures, and the bodies of the lugs are made substantially radial and of a size eled for the major portion of their height, as

The detachable flange is made in the illustrated at 22, for a purpose to be explained hereinafter, the portion of each lug immediately adjacent to the inner periphery of the ring being preferably abrupt, as at 23, so as to abut firmly against the end wall of the aperture in which it is inserted. For the purpose of securing these lugs in their aperturesya suitable latching device is employed which shall project simultaneouslv into the notches of-both lugs and also engage the inner face of the rim adjacent to the apertures 18. This latch prevents the radial outward movement of the lugs, While the engagement between the shoulders 23-23 and the end walls of the apertures prevents the circumferential movement thereof relatively to the rim.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, this securing device comprises a latch member :25 mounted upon a pivot 26 located in the Web 18, said latch memberhaving at each side a lip 27 adapted to be inserted beneath the corresponding toe :21. This latch member also has an extended resilient handle 28 adapted to overlie one of the projections 16, the end of the handle beingprovided with a stud 29 adapted. to spring into a recess 30 formed in the bottom Wall of the groove 7 The handle is also illustrated as formed With a slot or recess 31 for the reception of a prying tool such as the blade of a screw driver or the like, whereby the same may be sprung out of engagement, with the rim and turned to one side. The major portion'of this handle is preferably oflset slightly from the rim as in which the'lugs are removed'from the aperturesf The lugs 1616, apertures 18-18, and lips 27'27 being symmetrical, and the flange 7 and base 1]. also symmetrical, it is obvious that the flange can be applied t'o the rim in either position. It will also be obvious that the particular looking 'or securing device I have illustrated herein may be employed independently of whether the flange, groove, base, proje"tions, etc. are or are not symmetrical, it being merely necessary that the two lugs project through a suitable aperture or apertures in the rim and have toes on their meeting ends which may be engaged by a suitable latching member which also engages the inner face of the rim so as to prevent the lugs from being withdrawn. Therefore it will be understood that the various parts mav take a great number offorms,w1thou t departing from the scope of "my inventive idea.

As illustrating one of the many modified cheeses erence inay be had to Figs. to 9 inclusive of this application wherein I have disclosed a construction suitable more particularly to wire spoke wheels.

Describingby reference characters the construction illustrated in Figs. 5 to 9 m elusive, 40 represents an annular metallic,

Cir

tire-supporting member which, in this construction, forms not only what is generally denominated-the rim, but also the felly of the wheel. Formed adjacentto the edges of this annular member are outwardly openmg grooves or channels 41- and 41, the

bottoms whereof are formed with spaced apertures 42 for the reception of spoke nipples 43 the heads 44 whereof arecontained within the grooves. The outer wall of the groove 41 is extended above the surface of the member to form a flange 6*, and the outer portion of the groove 41 adjacent to said flange is enlarged as indicated at 45 for the reception of an elastic, split, metallic ring 46 whereby the groove may be covered, the upper face of this ring preferably being substantially flush with the outer face of the member 40. A floating ring 8 of any suitable type uch as heretofore described may be positioned upon the ring 46v and stantially flush with the outer surface of the member 40. v I

Surrounding" the rim is a detachable flange having a base portion 51 shaped compleiiieiitzii'ily to the enlargement. 48 of the groove 41 so as to fit snugly therein, the projecting portion of the flange being shaped complemen'tarily to the floating ring .8. The base'portion 51 of this flange terminates at each side f the web 49, the outer portion of the flange continuing thereheyond at each end so as substantially to abut as shown at 52.

The bottom wall of the groove 41 is aperturcd below and at each side'of the web 49 as shown at 53. and carried by the flange. 50 adjacent to each endthereof is an inwardly projecting. lug having its rearward side beveled at 56 and having its forward end formed with a forwardly projecting toe 57. The ends of the aperture 53 are illustrated as beveled at 54 complementarily to the rearard ends of the lugs. The maximum the space between the end of the aperture 3:1 and the adjacent corner of the web 49, whereby these lugs may spring inwardly h of each of these lugs is not greater" is preferably not greater than the exterior diametrof its seat, whereby the elasticity of the flange-'maytend to constrict it upon the rim and thereby bring the ends 52 thereoftogether by reason of the wedging of the projections 55-55 against the end of the aperture. The toes 5757 are designed to be spaced a short distance beneath the web 49 when the flange is fully seated.

Secured to the inner face of the member 40 is a bracket 60, having a slot 61, receiving a threaded bolt -62, said bolt having a head 63 at one side of the bracket and a collar 64 at the opposite side of the bracket, where by its longitudinal movement may be prevented without impeding its rotation. This bolt is preferably mounted substantially transverse to the rim as shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7 and substantially in alinement with the web 49. The portion of the slot 61 adjacent to the body of the rim is preferably en; larged as at 65 for'the reception of a reciprocalole latch 66. N This latch has at its rearward end a right angular extension 67 apertured and threaded for engagement with the bolt 62, and has its forward end projecting parallel with and adjacent to the web 49 in such wise that when the bolt is rotated in one direction the latch will be projected between the web 49 and the toes '57-'57 thereby preventing the withdrawal of the lugs 55-55 from the aperture in which they are inserted. The wall of the groove 41 adjacent to the bracket 16 may be notched or cut away as at 70 for the reception of this latch, while the disengagement of the latch and bolt may be prevented by means of a removable collar or washer 71 secured to the rearward end of the bolt. The latch is so designed that when fully projected into engaging position the face of the extension (37 will be wedged against the face of the collar 64, thus preventing the bolt from being rotated accidentally. It will be seen that the springing of the lugs into place, and the further wedging action of the latch 6 against the toes 5757 will draw the endsot' the flange together without any rotation or slipping of theflange relatively to its seat.

'lVhile I have illustrated and described the lastmodificatiton of the device in connection with a wire spoke wheel I do not confine myself solely to this use, although I apprehend that it wi l find its greatest use in this connection. Lik "isc I donot imply that it is impossibleto inploythe first modification of this invention with a wire spoke wheel. since such is not the case. Therefore it will be understood that. while I have necessarily de scribcd my invention'iu detail and pointed out two widely dilfering constructions wherein the same may be embodied, I do not propose to limit myself to such details or to such constructions; except as the same may be specifically recited in the claims hereto annexed or may be rendered necessary by the prior state of the art, v

Having thus described my invention, What I claim is:

1. The combination with a tire-supp0rting rim; of a transversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with inwardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends, said rim being interrupted. at one point in its circumference to permit such lugs to project therethrough; a forwardly projecting toe on each ofsaid lugs; and 'a securing member carried by said rim and adapted to engage the toes of both said lugs and thereby locksaid ring in place. 7

2. The combination with atire-supporting rim; of a transversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with in- Wardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends said rim being interrupted at one point in its circumference to permit such lugs to project therethrough; a toe upon the side of each of said lugs nearest the corresponding end of sa1dr1ng;. and asecurmg member movably attached to said rim and adapted in one position to engage the toes of both said lugs and thereby lock said ring in place.

3. The combination with a tire-supporting rim having apair of radial apertures sepm rated by a web; of a transverselysplit ring detach-ably fitted to saidrim and provided With lugs adjacent its respective ends adapted to project through such apertures; a for Wardly projecting toe on each of said lugs: and a securing member adapted to be inscrted between such Web and said toes and thereby lock said ring in place.

t. The combination with a tire-supporting rim having a pair 0f ra-dial apertures sepa rated by a web; of a transversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with lugs adjacent its respective ends adapted to project through such apertures; a toe upon the side of each of said lugs nearest the corresponding end of said ring; and a securing member movably attached to said rim and adapted in one position to extend between such web and said toes and thereby lock said ring in place.

5. The combination with a tire-supporting rim;of a transversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with inwardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends, said rim being interruptedat one point 'in its circumference to permit such lugs to project therethrough; a forwardly projecting toe on each of said lugs; a securing member carried by said rim and adapted to engage the toes of both of said lugs and thereby lock said ring in place; and means adapted to retain said member in such engaging position.

6. The combination with a tire-supporting rim having a pair of radial apertures separated by a. web; of a transverselv split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with lugs adjacent its respective ends adapted to project through such apertures; a toe upon the side of each of said lugs nearest the corresponding end of said ring; a securing member movably attached to said rim and adapted in one position to extend between such web and said toes and thereby lock said ring in place; and means adapted to retain said member in such locking position.

T. The combination with a tire-supporting rim; of a transversely split ring detachaoiy fitted to said rim and provided with inwardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends, said rim being interrupted at one point in its circumference to permit such lugs to project therethrough; a forwardly prdject ing' toe on each of said lugs, the rearward faces of said lugs being beveled and a sccu ing member carried by said rim and adapted to have wedging engagement with the toes of both said lugs and thereby draw the latter radially inward, the beveled faces of said said lugs are drawn radially inward and the beveled faces of the latter thereupon engaging the apertures in said rim to force the ends of said ring together.

9. The combination with a tire-supporting rim: of the transversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with inwardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends. said rim being interrupted at one point in its circumference to permit such lugs to project thererhrough; a forwardly projecting toe on each of said lugs; and a transversely adjustable securing member carried by said rim and adapted in one position to engage the toes of both said lugs and thereby lock said ring in place.

l() The combination with a tire-supporting rim; of a transversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with in \vardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends, said rim being interrupted at one point in it s circumference to permit such lugs toproject therethrough; a forwardly projecting toe on each of said lugs; and a transversely 'reciprocable latch carried by said rim and adapted in one position to en- Cir 11. The combination with a'tire-supporting rim; of a transversely split ring detachably fitted to 'said rim and provided with in wardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends, said rim being interrupted at one point in its circumference to permit such lugs to project therethroughya forwardly pro ect ing toe on. each of said lugs; a transversely reciproca'ble latch -carried by said rim and adapted in one position to engage the toes of both said lugs and thereby lock said ring in place; and means adapted to positively reciprocate said latch in both directions.

12. The combination with a tire-supporting rim; of atransversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with inwardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends, said rim being interrupted at one point in its circumferenceto permit such lugs to project therethrough; a forwardly projecting toe on each of said lugs; a transversely reciprocable latch carried by said rim and I adapted in one position to engage thetoes of both said lugs'and thereby lock said ring in place; a screw adapted to reciprocate said latch in both directions; and means adapted to retain said screw against rotation in such engaging position of said latch. i v

13. The combination with a tire-supporting rim; of atransversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided with inwardly directed lugs adjacent its respective ends, said rim being interrupted at one point in its circumference-to permit such lugs to project therethrough; aforwardly projecting toe on each of said lugs, the rearward faces of said lugs being beveled; and a transversely reciprocable latch carried by said rim and adapted in one position to have wedging engagementwith the toes on both said lugs and thereby draw the latter radially inward, the beveled faces of said lugs thereupon engaging said rim to force the ends of said ring together.

14. The combination with a tire-supporting rim having a pair of radial apertures separated by a web; of a transversely split ring detachably fitted to said rim and provided withlugs adjacent its respective ends adapted to project through such apertures; a forwardly projecting toe on each of said lugs, the rearward faces of. said lugs being beveled; a transversely reciprocable latch carried by said rim and adapted to be inserted between such web and said toes, said latch having a wedge-shaped end, whereby said lugs are drawn radially inward and the beveled faces of said lugs thereupon engag ing the apertures in said rim to force the ends of said ring together; and means adapted to positively reciprocate said latch in both directions.

v 15. The combination with a tire-supporting rimhaving a pair of radial apertures separated by a web; of a transversely split ring detachably fittedto said rim and provided with lugs adjacent its respective ends adapted to project through such apertures; a forwardly projecting toe on each of said lugs, the rearward faces of said. lugs being 4 beveled; a transversely reciprocable' latch carried by saidvrim and adapted to be inserted between such web and said toes, said latch having a. wedge-shaped end, whereby said lugs are drawn radially inward and the beveled faces of said lugs thereupon engaging the apertures in said rimto force the ends of said ring together; a screw adapted to reciprocate said latch in both directions;

and means adapted to retain said screw.

against rotation in such engaging position of sald latch.

- In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my I signature in the presence of two witnesses.

RICHARD S. BRYANT. Witnesses:

HAROLD E; SMITH, BRENNAN B. WEST. 

